Maggie Caliendo

High school: Carl Sandburg High School

Hometown: Orland Park, Ill.

Majors: Theatre performance; communication studies; multimedia journalism and mass communication

Activities: Heywire Improv Troupe, Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Anything Goes, varsity women’s water polo

Internship: Our Quad Cities Channel 4 production internship (summer 2024)

Post-grad plans: Moving back home to Chicago to audition, take classes at The Second City and gain more production experience

Why Augustana?

Augustana wasn’t my first choice for schools, interestingly enough. My first choice was a huge state school. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to major in aside from theatre, so I wanted the opportunity to keep my options open and try new things. 

Augie was the only school that gave me that opportunity, where I could be a multi-majored student-athlete and graduate on time.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

I like to think that I am, but I had no idea what was ahead of me when I was a first-year. I kind of took the last four years one day at a time, and that was actually perfect. 

Figuring out slowly what I wanted to do allowed me to fully ground myself on campus. This also allowed me to make lasting friendships with people who don’t share my activities or majors. I could actively just be a student, and that was refreshing. Once I knew what I wanted to do, I definitely had more expectations for the future.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I owe a lot to my teammates. They have been a huge support system for me throughout the last four years. They’re always in the audience for every show, and they’re always there if I need anything.

The theatre department has also just been a safe place for me. I can always confide in my professors and castmates, and I couldn’t get through The Prom without them.

Peak experience?

Winning our first water polo championship will stay with me forever. The energy we had during that game was electric, and I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything in the world.

What surprised you?

I was surprised that I could do as much as I did at Augie. I was a full-time student, an athlete, a performer and a member of Greek life. It sounds like a lot, but I never felt overwhelmed. Maybe I was having too much fun with everything.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice during my summer internship at Our Quad Cities (Channel 4) in Rock Island. I mainly used it for rent while I lived in the area, and Augie was really cooperative and helpful with that process.

What will you miss the most?

I’ll miss the people for sure. My professors have been amazing role models and collaborators, and I’ll miss making memories with my teammates and coaches.

I’ll also just miss the sense of community on campus. You get used to seeing everyone on campus, so once you leave, it’s like you left home for the first time.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Keep an open mind and try anything and everything. Even if it’s not a good fit, you’ll meet amazing people in the process. I’ve made friends through walking into the wrong practice room or even just studying in the library.